Zipeng Zhu

Zipeng Zhu is an art director, designer, illustrator
and animator based in New York City. We talked to
him about self-improvement through work and living every day like it’s a musical.

Sweater Coming Soon

Jacket Coming Soon

Pants Coming Soon

Jacket Coming Soon

Pants Coming Soon

How did you come to work in design and
animation?

When I was a teen, all I wanted to be was a Japanese comic
artist.
Unfortunately, after years of practising, I realised I had absolutely no talent for drawing.
But
that left me with a huge amount of Photoshop knowledge, so I started to make posters and got
absolutely hooked. At that time, I was a biochem student. One day my art teacher asked me if
I
had
ever considered graphic design as a major. The second I learned that I could earn a living
making
posters, the rest became history.

Your work spans many different disciplines. Which
came
first and how do you integrate them?

I went to college for graphic design. Then I picked up
illustration
and animation along the way. Lastly, I started to work in art direction. I think my
advantage of
being able to do different things is not only that these skills enhance each other but also
they
let
me see things from a different perspective.

Do you enjoy the idea of wearing many creative
hats?

Yes! I love being a “creative octopus”. It makes my days very
unpredictable – it’s always something new. I love to keep challenging and improving
myself.

I love your philosophy to “make every day a
razzle-dazzle
musical”. Where did this come from?

My name Zipeng means “an exuberant kid”. Plus, I love
colourful
things and musicals. Why not try to live life like you could burst into a dance number at
any
point,
like in 500 Days of Summer? Why not razzle-dazzle ’em like Richard Gere in Chicago? I feel
this
mission gives me an intention every day, starting from the moment I wake up.

Coat Coming Soon

Coat Coming Soon

Pants Coming Soon

How do you recharge your batteries and fuel your
creativity?

Walk around in NYC, go eat yummy food and have good sex!

How would you describe your personal style?

Colourful, relentless and exuberant.

What colours, textures, objects, sounds, smells and
environments do you like to surround yourself with?

My apartment is filled with colourful yet random objects. You could
call me a hoarder or a collector – I love keeping little things that fascinate me. Often they don’t
make any sense and aren’t practical at all. I have a huge amount of clothes and a huge sneaker
collection. In my hallway, all my shoes are colour-coordinated. I will put on the kicks that fit the
vibe of the day the best. However, visual is usually the only element I focus on. Personally, I
really enjoy a silent and scentless environment, but occasionally I light a scented candle, put on
some music and chillax.

What are you currently working on and what’s next?

A nightclub, a VR game, a musical and my own online store. I’m also
working on a personal project that I can’t tell you about yet. Stay tuned!